Rulani Mokwena: Mamelodi Sundowns Boss Questions Recognition Compared to Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola

• Rulani Mokwena led Mamelodi Sundowns to their seventh consecutive DStv Premiership title and won the African Football League
• Despite these successes, Mokwena feels underappreciated compared to European managers like Jürgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola
• Mokwena's dedication was acknowledged with his second Premier Soccer League Coach of the Month award for April

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach, Rulani Mokwena, has candidly expressed his feelings of underappreciation compared to Liverpool's Jürgen Klopp and Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola.

Despite an exceptional season, Mokwena feels he hasn't received the same level of recognition as his European counterparts.

At just 37, he has led Masandawana to their seventh consecutive DStv Premiership title, his second as the sole head coach since Pitso Mosimane's departure.

Cavin Johnson: South African Coach Gives Injury Update Ahead of Kaizer Chiefs Tie With Polokwane City

Football

Additionally, the Brazilians triumphed in the inaugural African Football League, overcoming Petro de Luanda, Al Ahly, and defeating Wydad Athletic Club in the final.

However, the season wasn't without its setbacks. Orlando Pirates defeated Sundowns in the MTN8 final, and they were eliminated from the CAF Champions League by Esperance Tunis, per News24. Their final DStv Premiership match saw a 1-0 loss to Cape Town City, which dashed their hopes of an undefeated league campaign.

Despite these achievements, Mokwena feels the weight of expectations heavily. He pointed out that even celebrated managers like Guardiola and Klopp have faced seasons without major victories.

"I would love to stay at Sundowns for eight, nine years and do a Pep, a Klopp. I love Sundowns. But sometimes I say to myself, I don’t think it’s possible. I’m going to have to go through one or two seasons without winning the Champions League. Klopp has won the EPL and the UCL once but stayed for eight years. And his parting shot was, ‘I left, and I felt appreciated from the beginning to the absolute end," he explained, as quoted by iDiski Times.

Rulani Mokwena’s Mamelodi Sundowns Break Incredible Record Set by Pitso Mosimane

Football

Mokwena's dedication was recently recognized when he was awarded the DStv Premiership Coach of the Month for April, marking the second time he has won the accolade this season.

Mokwena still hurt by Champions League exit

Sports Brief reported that Mokwena was still hurt by Sundowns' defeat in the CAF Champions League at the hands of Esperance.

He stated that claiming the treble this season would not make up for the disappointment of exiting the tournament in the semi-finals.

He believes that adding another trophy to the team's collection will not erase the pain of their loss on the continental stage.